ECT Induction support (formerly NQT)

The following information has been adapted by the partners listed in the 'key contacts' section below from information provided by the DfE to be shared with schools.

Appropriate Bodies (ABs) play a vital statutory role quality assuring induction, ensuring Early Career Teachers (ECTs) receive statutory entitlements during induction, and are fairly and consistently assessed against the Teachers' Standards.

It is essential to the successful delivery of induction reforms that ABs are fit for purpose and accountable, and that there is greater consistency of quality in the AB services that schools receive. It is recognised that many ABs have significant experience and expertise and show great commitment to their ECTs and schools. However, the responses to the consultation provided further evidence that variation in quality and approach is currently an issue across ABs. Thus, the key rationale for the reforms is based on the need to find a cost effective way to introduce greater quality assurance of the AB sector.

The Department has a formal agreement in place with each TSH and holds them to account against key performance indicators. This relationship with TSHs provides an existing mechanism through which to introduce robust quality assurance without the need to set up a costly and duplication quality assurance or accreditation system.

The Department recognises that schools provided a variety of responses to the consultation, some of which raised their concerns about local authorities losing the AB role. The Department is grateful to all respondents who took the time to share their views and highlight potential issues, particularly around minimising the impact on ECTs. The phased transition that has been agreed in response is intended to ensure that for the majority of ECTs, schools have the option not to move those who already began induction in September 2022 to a new AB during their induction.

The Department is committed to ensuring ABs are supported to collaborate during this transition period to help schools make a smooth transition to new ABs where this is necessary.

A separate (external) document with answers to some common questions is linked here.

Key contacts

Inspiration Teaching School Hub

Contact name: Carmel Greene
Contact email: inspirationteachinghub@inspirationtrust.org
Website: www.inspirationteachingschoolhub.org

The Julian Teaching School Hub

Contact name: Ben Serruys
Contact email: julian-tsh@ndhs.org.uk
Website: www.thejulian-tsh.org.uk

Norfolk Local Authority

Contact name: Denise Beckett
Contact email: denise.beckett@norfolk.gov.uk
Website: www.schools.norfolk.gov.uk